116 



MANUAL OF POISONOUS PLANTS 



It is cultivated and occasionally an escape; said to be poisonous. 



Sanguisorba canadensis L. Burnet. 



From Labrador to N. Mich, and Alleghany Mts. Said to be poisonous. 



Fig. 19c. ■ Coffee Bean (Gymnocladus dioica (I.) Koch. 

 The sweet juice in pod is poisonous. (Ada Hayden). 



Pyrus malus L, Apple. 



The seeds are poisonous and contain the glucoside which is changed into 

 hydrocyanic acid. 



Crataegus mollis L. Haw. 



Cases of poisoning are reported by persons eating the fruit of Crataegus 

 mollis, the injurious effects being probably due more to the inedible seeds than 

 to the fruit. 



Prunus americana Marsh. Wild Plum. 



The shoots and seeds contain the principle amygdalin, which is con- 

 verted into hydrocyanic acid. The fruit, it should be said, is entirely harmless. 



Prunus pumila L. Sand Cherry. 



This cherry is not widely distributed in the state, but is found along the 

 Missouri river and in sandy soil eastward. The fruit is'slightly acid and some- 

 what astringent, but is not poisonous, except the wilted leaves and. the seeds. 

 The astringent qualities in our wild fruit are undesirable. The same is true 

 of P. Besseyi of Nebraska, the Dakotas and the Rocky Mountains. 



Prunus pennsylvanica L. Wild Red Cherry. 



Common, especially in the eastern part of Iowa and northern states. The 

 leaves are poisonous, as well as the seeds. The fruit is edible. 



Prunus virginiana L. Choke Cherry. 



The leaves and seeds are poisonous. The fruit is so astringent it often ■ 

 produces very unpleasant conditions when eaten in any considerable quantity. 

 Choke Cherry is widely distributed in the north. The leaves in the wilted con- 

 dition contain hydrocyanic acid. 



Prunus demissa (Nutt) Walp. Choke Cherry. 



